A letter this week from a fan has highlighted the growing support for the Brisbane Roar Women as they prepare for their crunch final game of the regular season against Newcastle Jets Women at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.
The match will be televised LIVE on Fox Sports and ABC TV with a 1pm kick off (Queensland time).
The Roar Women need to at least draw against the Jets Women to finish fourth on the ladder and book a semi-final showdown with Melbourne City on Monday, 25 January.
To make the finals caps an amazing season turnaround for Coach Belinda Wilson and her squad who have rallied in recent weeks with big wins over Sydney FC, Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory and an unlucky 1-0 loss to Champions Melbourne City.
Their two matches on the Gold Coast, hosted by Broadbeach Soccer Club (below), were huge successes and attracted nearly 3000 fans.
Among those at the ground last Sunday was Roar fan, Meshelle Ryan, who this week took the time to write a heart-felt thank you message to the Roar Women. Here is an edited version:
“Well done on the win against Melbourne Victory. It was a wonderful game with plenty of goals, attacks and brilliant defending . . . an awesome performance.
Now you hold the knowledge that another win or draw and you are in the final series. Brilliant work!
I say this to you ladies. Each home game you all try very hard to see the fans – even in between speaking to your families and friends. And Sunday was no different.
I love seeing the smile on kids’ faces when you all sign balls, posters, jerseys or whatever the younger generation has for you.
There are young girls who look up to and who hope one day they too can play for the Roar.
As an adult, don’t get me wrong. I have asked many a time for autographs or a photo as well. I guess you never stop being a kid.
You have all done this even after wins, losses or draws or even coming back from Matildas camps.
Thank you Roar girls for the season. I hope it continues just a bit longer into this month. Thank you all for showing that women do belong in this sport.”
Meanwhile, Football Federation Australia will introduce fifth and six officials to matches in the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League 2016 Finals Series after a successful two-year trial in the Westfield FFA Cup.
The two extra match officials (Additional Assistant Referees) will be positioned on the goal line at each end of the field to assist referees with decisions in and around the penalty area, including penalty calls and decisions about whether the ball has crossed the line for a goal.
FFA has also made a submission to FIFA on a trial of video replays to assist match officials.
